v margate.

[Del]

Delighted with the result but i thought we took our foot off the pedal later in the 2nd half when there were more goals for the taking.However we don't want to upset them too much as we have to go there in the cup!

[Amber Aleman]

One game imto the season, and we've already bettered all of last season's results. And top of the league to boot!

This Sutton team does have a bit of class about it, although I don't think we quite hit top gear today. We could hardly have asked for more compliant opponents than Margate, who weren't great to start with and helpfully reduced themselves to ten men in the first half and conceded a penalty in the second.

I agree that Stefan Payne looks an excellent prospect. If I have a criticism of the performance it was (as Delboy says) that we took the foot off the gas once Stefan's penalty put us 4-0 up. With the pace of Bradley Woods-Garness and Anthony Joseph then introduced, I expected us to get at least a fifth, but that just didn't happen. Still, I suppose we shouldn''t be greedy! ;D

[Burtie]

I think that making 3 substitutions within 10 minutes in the second half did disrupt our rythmn, but the game was long won by that stage.

Obviously Payne was the star but agree that Hawes added an extra dimension from right-back and linked up superbly with Matt Hann.

Fantastic trick in the first half from AJ - has he been practising FIFA over the summer?!? - and the rest of the defence were as solid as neccessary against a lightweight strikeforce.

Quick word on the ref - he had an excellent game, let the game flow as much as possible, which was noticably appreciated by the players. However, in the interests of fairness we did get lucky in the first half when AJ handled - I had a clear view and imo it was pretty clear cut.

In summary couldn't ask for a better start to the season, and I suspect that just maybe a star is born.

[Rupert Scallywag]

Aug 16, 2009 0:49:06 GMT Burtie said:

However, in the interests of fairness we did get lucky in the first half when AJ handled - I had a clear view and imo it was pretty clear cut.

Agreed

[holmes]

Perfect start! never had to get out of first gear and had full control of the game almost from start to finish. Yes, we were slow out of the blocks and nearly gave them an own goal when Goodliffe headed just over his own bar. We also did a Usain Bolt and pulled up about 15 minutes before the finish line, letting Margate have a couple of late chances, but the game was won by then.

Once we got going, they could not cope and became very frustrated very quickly. This may have contributed to their red card, although there is no excusing the numb headed behavior to wards the official, who in fairness was by no means the worst ref we've had.

Everything has been said about Stephan, great first competitive game and well done to the kid. Many defenses will be done like a kipper by him this season. Sam worked well and looks like a good partner for Stephan. Bill Hawes really impressed me too, looking solid in defense and linking well in the forward play. Also a mention for Sonny Cobbs, who seemed to disappear in the game, but actually snuffed out most of their midfield buildup. The back line will improve with time and the gaping hole that led to the rugby style miss will seal.

Moron of the match? I'd give that to their No. 4, Captain Moron, who jumped with fist raised for the penalty, had no sense of position on the pitch, appealed for off-side when he had no idea that a Sutton player was even behind him. Played a backpass straight out for a corner them berated the keeper for not getting to it and at one point seemed to shout 'Rugby, Rugby!' at a bemused looking keeper . They've got a lot of work to do to survive, but you can only beat the side you're playing and credit to the lads, they did that with ease.

One point for the Editor. The away travel information in the programme did not give any advice on what colours we will be wearing. Is this because it was the first day of the season and this was left out, or has this feature been dropped ? Other than that, quality programme again! Even if the price has gone up by 50p, still worth it.

[frakey]

Er, we have a match on Tuesday at Horsham and with the game won, I could see why we took the foot off the gas. Save it for Tuesday. It would have been great to get a 5th but as AA says we've already bettered our best win from ast season, 3-0 at home to Harlow.

[Millsy]

Speaking of the Margate #4 and captain, I was, erm, interested in his coaching of Jack Haverson and again to one other player, holding out his elbow and saying, "If they get past you just smash 'em"!!

[fox]

Has he been listening to my team talks on Sundays?

[The Editor]

Aug 16, 2009 9:30:27 GMT holmes said:

One point for the Editor. The away travel information in the programme did not give any advice on what colours we will be wearing. Is this because it was the first day of the season and this was left out, or has this feature been dropped ? Other than that, quality programme again! Even if the price has gone up by 50p, still worth it.

Thanks. And is in there. For Hendon. An accidental omission for Horsham.

[meddles]

I really like the cover. Good work!

[Rax]

Did anyone win the signed football? Did I hear it was a Margate fan?

[oohaah]

Am I right in thinking that this is our biggest home league win since October 2005 against Stale Buns?

[os]

Aug 16, 2009 20:09:03 GMT oohaah said:

Am I right in thinking that this is our biggest home league win since October 2005 against Stale Buns?

I think it might be, and if the omens are the same then Margate will win the title

[oohaah]

Does anyone know the last time a Sutton player scored a hat-trick in a league game???

[DaveF]

Gaynor